"It is particularly important to shop early this year."
Smyths Toys has issued a warning to customers to "shop early for Christmas" this year amid global supply issues.
The toy chain has encouraged consumers to hit stores early "to avoid disappointment" as shipping and container shortages will likely lead to supply issues.
"Smyths Toys advises you to shop early for Christmas," a Smyths spokesperson told JOE on Wednesday.
"This is always a good idea so as to avoid the rush and to avoid disappointment," they continued.
"It is particularly important to shop early this year as global shipping and container shortages are causing supply issues in many parts of our lives.
"We encourage you to drop in-store from 24 September to pick up your free 300-page Smyths Toys catalogue. This will give you the time to make those key gift decisions."
It comes as
Penneys issued its own warning to customers on Monday over autumn/winter inventory delays due to port disruptions.
"We are experiencing some delays to the handover of some autumn and winter inventory caused by port and container freight disruptions," a spokesperson told JOE.
"These delays are expected to reduce the inventory at the year-end by some £200m compared to expectation with a corresponding increase in cash on hand."
